OUDTSHOORN NEWS - A long-cherished dream has come true with the establishment of the 18 000ha Karoo Gateway Conservancy in the Klaarstroom district.

This initiative provides a strong framework for biodiversity conservation in the region through a voluntary agreement among landowners to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way that promotes biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

The Karoo Gateway Conservancy was founded by a group of local farmers who share a deep love for nature and a passion for protecting the region's unique fauna and flora. 

To help drive this initiative, experienced conservationists and FGASA-registered field guides, Stephen Moss and Shania Finscham, work closely with stakeholders on the ground.

CapeNature has welcomed this initiative and will act as a custodian, providing expert input and guidance on management plans and biodiversity assessments, and may also offer funding support. 

The Karoo Gateway Conservancy will become part of the network of recognised conservancies in the Western Cape, officially falling under the CapeNature-supported network.

Landowners who are considering having their land formally protected can contact CapeNature's Tom Barry on tbarry@capenature.co.za and Melita Weideman on mweideman@capenature.co.za.

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